King George Hospital A&E : Leader's statement
Councillor Roger Ramsey, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“I thoroughly support Wednesday's announcement that the existing A&E at King George Hospital is to remain open whilst the service reviews the recommendations from a recent strategic review undertaken by PWC.
“I have continually lobbied against the original decision to replace the A&E department with an Urgent Care Centre (UCC). Even just a few months ago, I wrote to Jeremy Hunt stressing that a new review of the now six-year-old plans to close King George’s A&E department was absolutely essential.
“This decision will support local residents across the borough who require emergency treatment. Since 2011, Havering has become one of the fastest growing and changing areas in London and Queen’s A&E alone simply can’t cope with the additional demand. This decision means residents will now have access to two A&E facilities during the review, and I will continue to lobby for the A&E at King George to remain open permanently.”